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Trail Notes

Murihiku - Southland Trail Notes

Last Edited: November 23, 2024 15:42:10 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: Traverse varied landscapes, featuring mountains, lakes, beech forest and tussock country. Some sections are within Te Wahipounamu, the South Westland New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Description

This track starts at the Greenstone Car Park about 40km from Glenorchy, at the end of Greenstone Station Road. It is well marked and initially formed, but the ground trail becomes less defined in mid sections where it follows marker poles.

The track has a relatively easy gradient with its highest point being 728m on the saddle at the southern end of Passburn Valley. This is where the track leaves Otago and enters Southland, Te Araroa’s most southern region.

DOC have adjusted hut pricing from July 2021. Huts on the Greenstone and Caples Track are no longer covered by the Backcountry Hut Pass. Hut tickets may still be used. The adult price for summer is now $20. This applies to Mid Caples Hut, McKellar Hut, and Greenstone Hut.  Discount available with Trail Pass

Greenstone Hut to Taipo Hut - 10km / 4-5 hours

The track towards Taipō Hut is sign-posted. It climbs up and around to the Pass Burn Valley. Near the valley head, the track drops to a creek and then climbs back up to the saddle. Descend following marker poles to Taipō Hut (8 bunks), which is near the banks of the Mararoa River.

Taipo Hut to Boundary Hut - 12km / 3-4 hours

From the hut, cross the Mararoa River swingbridge. From here the track stays near the river and follows marker poles through open country. Recross the river on another swingbridge to reach Boundary Hut (8 bunks).

Boundary Hut to Careys Hut - 6km / 2 hours

From Boundary Hut, follow the 4WD track to the junction with the track to Forks Hut. Take the left-hand track down towards North Mavora Lake. Careys Hut (7 bunks) has a wood-fired stove and is near the base of a hill at the north end of the lake.

Careys Hut to Mavora Camping Area - 10km / 2 hours

The 4WD track follows the lake edge around to the Mavora Camping Area at the lake’s southern end. There are parking and toilets here. Camping is for a small fee paid via a self-registration system.

The end of the track is at the Mavora Lakes Camping Area. Road access to Mavora Lakes is via 39km of gravelled road from either Centre Hill or Burwood Station. Both access points are signposted from SH94 between Mossburn and Te Anau.

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • River crossings – never cross flooded rivers
  • Small stream crossings
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes

Access

Northern Start: Greenstone Station Road carpark

Southern End: Mavora Camping Area, Mavora Lakes Road

Transport

Transport to Glenorchy and/or Kinloch and/or Mavora Walkway

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Hut_Included Slip Flat Hut - km 2,731.6 - Included in The Trail Pass

Campsite_Included Hut_20percent Greenstone Hut - km 2,735.3 - 20% discount on hut stay with The Trail Pass. (Bookings required). Camping next to hut included in the Trail Pass (Bookings required)

Hut_Included Taipo Hut - km 2,745.0 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hut_Included Boundary Hut - km 2,757.0 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hut_Included Careys Hut - km 2,763.0 - Included in The Trail Pass

Campsite_Included Mavora Lakes Campsite - km 2,772.3 - Included in The Trail Pass (Bookings required)

En route

Extra Info

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 17, 2024 18:31:12 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: Parts of this section are marked with poles. Other parts are unclear and may be overgrown – allow enough time. 

Description

Trampers continuing on from the Mavora Walkway can walk south, down and around North Mavora lakeshore to the swingbridge across the Mararoa River at the lake’s outlet.

The track stays west of, though close to, the Mararoa River and then South Mavora Lake to this lake’s outlet where another swingbridge provides an alternative access point from Mavora Lakes Road. 

Beyond this swingbridge, the track continues down the true right side of the Mararoa River to a third and final swingbridge at km 2,785.8. The bridge aligns with another track that intersects Te Araroa and provides access to Mavora Lakes Road.

Along the way, a careful assessment of the trail ahead is required: if the Mararoa River can be forded safely just beyond the Kiwi Burn confluence, then Te Araroa trampers can continue down the track on the true right side to the Kiwi Burn, then either divert 1.5km to the Kiwi Burn Hut, or ford the Mararoa River and continue south on the true left bank. 

If the Mararoa is not fordable, then Te Araroa trampers must cross the final swingbridge at km 2,785.8.

Trampers can then continue down the true left bank on the river side of the fence and, after 3km, rejoin Te Araroa opposite the Kiwi Burn confluence.

Estimated time for 17.5km from Mavora Lakes Campsite to Kiwi Burn Hut, including 1.5 km diversion to the hut: 5 hours.

Below the Kiwi Burn confluence, Te Araroa is marked with poles down the Mararoa’s true left bank. This is on the river side of the fence all the way down to Wash Creek, some 16km distant. Travel is occasionally damp underfoot and a little slow through long grasses but the route improves and becomes easier in parts as progress is made.

The riverside track from south of Kiwi Burn hut (km 2788.7 to km 2803.3) is badly overgrown and difficult. It may be advisable for southbound hikers to use anglers' trails to cross to the road and then follow Mavora Lakes Road to Wash Creek.

After fording Wash Creek, the route climbs to Mavora Lakes Road. Turn right onto the road and continue for 11km through to SH94. Turn right and walk, carefully, along SH94 a further 2.5km to where Te Araroa turns into Princhester Road. The Lower Princhester Hut is 6km up Princhester Road.

Estimated time for 17.5 km from Kiwi Burn Hut to Mavora Lakes Road, 5 hours. It's another 2.5 hours along the road to SH94.

DOC’s Mavora Lakes Park pamphlet includes additional information on some of this trail section and the surrounding area.

There is 22km left on SH94 to Mossburn and 33km right on SH94 to Te Anau, a pleasant lakeside town and gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track – take extreme care on Mavora Lakes Road and SH94
  • Farming operations
  • River crossings – never cross flooded rivers
  • Small stream crossings
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold

Access

Northern Start: Mavora Camping Area, Mavora Lakes Road

Southern End: Junction of SH94 and Princhester Road

Transport

Te Anau getting there/away

  • InterCity - P: 03 365 1113 - Daily buses to Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch

  • Private Transfer an on-demand service at a time to suit. Cost from $45.00 per charter dropping off at state highway 94. For a drop off at the end of the Princhester Road Cost from $55 per charter. Contact Topline Tours Linda & Denis P: 03 249 8059 or 03 249 9550 or try cell 029 770 3134

  • Tracknet - P: 0800 483 262 provide public transport to and from Princhester Road from Te Anau

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Campsite_Included Mavora Lakes Campsite - km 2,772.3 -

Hut_Included Kiwi Burn Hut - km 2,788.7 - Included in The Trail Pass

Te Anau accommodation

Many other options at all levels are also available in Te Anau.

Mossburn accommodation

Food and Supply

Te Ānau resupply:

On the Trail:

  • Sprig & Thistle:  A vintage-style caravan full to the brim with coffee and homemade savouries and sweets.  On the Trail at 6 Princhester Road, The Key.
  • Davaar & Co: Woolen Jerseys crafted from Davaar Station sheep's wool.  Our jerseys are sustainably grown, spun & knitted entirely in New Zealand. Also located at 6 Princhester Road, The Key.

Extra Info

Te Ānau general information

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: October 18, 2024 09:25:39 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: From the open tops high above the Telford Burn, Te Araroa through-trampers get their first glimpse toward the south coast. 

Description

Route State Highway 94 to Lower Princhester Hut - 6km / 1.5 hours

From the highway, the route follows Princhester Road to DOC’s Lower Princhester Hut (6 bunks). Princhester Road is a gravelled public road, but also a working farm accessway. Please give way to stock and farm operations and leave gates as you find them.

No dogs are permitted.

Lower Princhester Hut to Aparima Hut - 17km / 5-6 hours

The track from Lower Princhester Hut is through beech forest and climbs to a saddle between the Bog Burn and Waterloo Burn catchments. It then descends to the northern boundary of Waterloo Station, a Crown Pastoral Lease comprising 3,500ha. It is about 4.5km to this point.

Waterloo Station is private property but the lessees allow tramper access down their western boundary to Aparima Hut (12 bunks). The route is poled through tussock land on the bush fringe and marked through the bush-clad headlands. Care is required to stay on the permitted track line.

Aparima Hut to Lower Wairaki Hut - 13.1km / 6 hours

Note: The next section to Lower Wairaki Hut is predominantly within the forest. The ground trail is light, or non-existent, so care and concentration is required to travel from marker to marker. 

 

Cross the Aparima River on the swingbridge near the hut. The track forks here. To the left, there is access out to Dunrobin Road (2 hours). Meanwhile, Te Araroa follows poles westward (to the right) through marshland on the terrace above the Aparima River’s true right bank. The track reaches the forest edge after 2.5km. Once within the forest, the marked track rolls over foothills to a sign-posted junction with the Wairaki River Track. Turn left here and it’s a 45-minute walk downstream to the Wairaki River ford. Cross the river here, as river levels allow, and climb to the nearby Lower Wairaki Hut (4 bunks).

Lower Wairaki Hut to Telford Campsite – 8km / 4 hours

The sign-posted track departs to the side of the hut and traverses the bush fringe. After about 600m the track crosses a stream, a marker then indicates a right-hand turn and the beginning of the climb towards the Telford Tops. Carry water from here as it’s the last reliable stream until the campsite.

The climb to the ridge is steady and steepens towards the end. Once on the ridge, the track turns left and follows the ridge. After 440m the track emerges on the tops, which afford good views south towards the coast. Marker poles continue down on the main ridge for another 2km. The track then leaves the ridge to the right and descends through grasslands to the Telford Campsite, which has a toilet and water available from the stream. Trampers should camp here if arriving after midday (see Mt Linton Station conditions of access below).

There is no shelter at Telford Campsite.

Telford Campsite to Struan Flat Rd – 25km / 8-9 hours

Note: This section is entirely over Mt Linton Station, which is privately owned, and is closed for lambing from 25 September to 7 November inclusive each year.

There is no vehicle access into Mt Linton Station, beyond the main station office.

In order to comply with the daylight hours condition, trampers should start no later than 10am while daylight saving time is in operation (earlier when it is not) and make steady progress towards their destination.

Much of the route is over a working farm, so trampers may encounter vehicles and the movement of stock in large numbers. In these situations, farm operations have right of way. Trampers need to step aside and wait quietly until all livestock have passed. Please take direction from farm staff as necessary.

There is no drinking water available en route, so trampers should carry sufficient water to last the day.

From the Telford Campsite the route follows poles down the true left side of Telford Burn to a sign-posted crossing. Ford the river here, as river levels allow, and continue on the farm track down the side of the Wairaki River to a marked sharp turn away from the river.

From here you follow well-marked farm track through the hills before dropping back down and sidling above the Wairaki River. The farm track descends onto a large fan down to river level – follow the marked route to the optimum crossing point. In general, the river runs barely above ankle height and will be easily crossed. Do not attempt to cross if it is high, dirty or fast-flowing.

Coming up from the river you will again join a farm track - this is one of the Station's main accessways, so keep a close eye out for stock or farm traffic. Following that track 2.75km and not far around a 90-degree bend, a well-marked turn will take you off the major farm track onto a lesser one. Continue on that track through paddocks, around forestry plantation and take in the sights and smells of New Zealand's largest farm station.

On occasion, the route will leave farm tracks, but it is well marked – just look for the capped posts and/or stiles across each fence. Follow Te Araroa map 152 carefully at km 2,877.5 as the green route has been corrected from that shown on previous maps and still marked in black on the NZTopo base map 

Towards the end of the route, cross Orauea Stream on the footbridge a short distance from the roadside trailhead, and follow the marked route out to Struan Flat Road.

There is parking and cell phone reception here and trampers can phone if they need shuttle transport or accommodation. To ensure availability it’s best to have made arrangements in advance.

Otherwise, it is 7km left on the Ohai-Clifden Highway to Ohai, a small rural town. A further 9km along the Ohai-Clifden highway will take you to Nightcaps, where you can resupply at Nightcaps Four Square.

Conditions

Potential Hazards

  • Many sections are over uneven terrain where there is no real ground trail evident. Trampers are advised to carry a GPS, maps, compass, usual survival equipment, and to have the skills needed to use everything properly.
  • Access is only for tramping parties of 8 or fewer members and during daylight hours
  • Vehicles on road or track. Be aware of farm vehicles and/or stock on Mt Linton Station
  • Farming operations
  • River crossings – Never cross flooded rivers
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Few water sources on Mt Linton Station
  • No camping outside of designated campsites
  • No fires, vehicles (including bicycles), horses, dogs or firearms
  • Carry all rubbish out with you
  • No commercial activity, including guiding or organized events

Please stick only to the marked track and use stiles where provided. Any walkers found off the marked route will be charged with trespassing and directed to leave the property via the way they came – this is in response to numerous abuses of our access privilege over the years.

Access

Northern Start: Junction of SH94 and Princhester Road

Southern End: Struan Flat Road, Birchwood

The final 25km of this track is across Mt Linton Station, which is a large and intensive farmed private property. Access across Mt Linton Station has been generously provided by the Station owners. A number of conditions apply to enable walking access to co-exist with farm operations. These conditions including a track closure for lambing from 25 September to 7 November inclusive. 

A good portion of the Takitimu Track can still be used during the lambing closure. This is by using the exit/entry track from Aparima Hut to Dunrobin Road.  This is not a good option for a through-hike as a very long road detour is necessary to rejoin Te Araroa southbound

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Hut_Included Lower Princhester Hut - km 2,823.2 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hut_Included Aparima Hut - km 2,828.5 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hut_Included Lower Wairaki Hut - km 2,853.2 - Included in The Trail Pass

Campsite_Included Telford Campsite - km 2,861.0 - Included in The Trail Pass

Accommodation en route

Accommodation just beyond the end of this route

  • Birchwood Station has a cabin available to Te Araroa walkers near the beginning of this route.  For safety reasons, you'll need to call ahead - same day ok but at least a few hours notice - and be met and taken into the hut.
    • $20pp for the night and $15pp more for a home-cooked meal. Gas cooking facilities, microwave, hot shower, fire, toilet.
    • Call or text Sarah 027 699 5234 or Dean 021 655 852.

Tuatapere

  • The Cwtch - 6 Ferry Road, Tuatapere - P: 027 683 0670 - 4 Bunks, hosted by Greg in the historic community hall. $30pp, or koha for TA walkers (some work, dinner at the pub, cash as you have it)

Food and Supply

  • Sprig & Thistle:  A vintage-style caravan full to the brim with coffee, cold drinks, and homemade savouries and sweets.  On the Trail at 6 Princhester Road, The Key. Open Tuesday-Friday 7am-4pm, and Saturday 8am-2pm.
  • Davaar & Co: Woolen Jerseys crafted from Davaar Station sheep's wool.  Our jerseys are sustainably grown, spun & knitted entirely in New Zealand. Also located at 6 Princhester Road, The Key.

Extra Info

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: October 18, 2024 09:31:58 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: This heartland-Southland journey travels across private farmland and exotic forest. You finish at the farming locality of Merrivale, at the northern foot of the Longwood Range 

Description

The track starts on Struan Flat Road. Walk 250m to the Ohai Clifden Highway. Turn right here and walk 650m to the intersection with Birchwood Wairio Road. Turn left onto this road and walk 2.4km to the edge of the eucalyptus forest fringe. 

Woodlaw Track - 14.2km / 7-8 hours

This track crosses private property, and ongoing access is dependent upon the goodwill of landowners: Matariki Forests, DT King & Co Limited, Birchwood Station and Stephen Blair-Edie. The track is across farmland and through exotic forest, save for a small indigenous forest section within the Woodlaw Forest Conservation Area.

In order to comply with the daylight hours condition, trampers should start out early in the morning and make steady progress towards their final destination.

If you encounter farm staff moving stock en-route, please step well aside and wait quietly until all animals have passed by. Take direction from farm staff as necessary.

Do not rely on drinking water being available en route.

The track leaves the road on the right here and travels up the forest fringe beside a fence line.

Beyond the eucalyptus section, the track crosses a stock lane and continues up a fenceline to the base of the Twinlaw Range. The track line turns left here and sidles east to join with a grassed farm track. This track climbs steeply up the hill face to the right. As the track nears the main ridge, it veers south and becomes less distinct on the ground. Marker poles continue to show the way.

Once on the main ridge, travel is along the ridgeline to the left (southeast). This is on a light but distinct farm track that leads up to the Birchwood Station/Twinlaw Forest boundary gate. Beyond the gate, Te Araroa enters an exotic forest on a 4WD track, then traverses the Twinlaw tops on privately owned forest roads, which make for pleasant and easy walking. You’re unlikely to encounter vehicles unless there is some forestry operation underway.

There are a number of forestry road junctions, but marker poles are in place to show the way through. For the sake of completeness, turn left onto Trig Road, then right onto Twinlaw Road. Keep left at the Feldwick Road junction and continue along Twinlaw Road. This is towards and through the junction with Chandler Road. Te Araroa leaves Twinlaw Road on a 4WD track on the right-hand side of the road. There is a turning bay at the end of this track, right on the Twinlaw/Woodlaw Forest boundary.

Te Araroa enters the beech forest from the turning bay. This is on a tramping track, within the Woodlaw Forest Conservation Area. The track traverses uneven ground towards Woodlaw Peak then descends towards a narrow strip of exotic forest. Here it joins with a 4WD track that leads to a junction. Turn right at this junction onto the forestry road, and soon the road emerges from the forest. It then continues down a long fenced straight, which leads out through farmland towards Scotts Gap-Feldwick Road. (It is 13km to the right via Lower Scotts Gap Road and Otautau-Tuatapere Road to Otautau.)

From the Woodlaw Track trailhead, turn left onto Scotts Gap-Feldwick Road and walk the road shoulder through Scotts Gap junction and onto Upper Scotts Gap Road. Continue down Upper Scotts Gap Road, then turn right and walk up Hewitt Road. The Island Bush Track starts up the road at the gate on the exotic forest fringe. This is a 3.5km connection.

Island Bush Track - 4km / 1.5 hours

This track is through the exotic forest and then across farmland. It is entirely on private property, with access provided by 2 landowners — Matariki Forests and Mike Whale. 

The track starts at the forest entry gate near the top of Hewitt Rd. If arriving by car, it’s best to park near the bottom of the road and walk up. Continue up Hewitt Road beyond the gate and through the forest. This is to a junction with Loop Road.

Turn left onto Loop Road, the first of 4 junctions. Stay left again at the second junction, right at the third, and left at the fourth junction.

From the forestry road end, a marked foot track leads down between the pine tree rows to the farm boundary. From here, please leave all gates and electric gateways as you find them.  Livestock, machinery, and farm workers have right of way in the laneway.

Once across the boundary fence stile, turn left onto the farm laneway and descend.  Markers show the way down the laneway to a paddock at the bottom above a large pine shelter-belt. The track turns right here through an electric elastic gateway, if this is up, you will need to unhook and reattach the top hand-piece. Follow this line of trees to the marked shallow water crossing to the gap in the shelter-belt, the roadside stile is visible ahead to the right via a marked gateway. (It is left for 13km to Otautau, and Tuatapere is 28km to the right.) NOBOs will see a large orange triangle from the same roadside stile. 

There is parking opposite the trail-head.

From the Island Bush Track trail-head, turn right (west) onto Otautau-Tuatapere Road and walk 2.5km, past Gill Road to the Merrivale Road junction.

Conditions

Lambing closure between 9 September and 9 November inclusive.

Potential hazards:

  • Vehicles on the road or track. Take care on the roads
  • Farming operations
  • Forestry operations
  • Few water sources

A number of conditions apply to enable walking access to co-exist with farm and forestry operations. These conditions include an annual track closure for lambing from 9 September to 9 November inclusive. The remaining conditions are set out below, and compliance is important, both out of respect for the landowners and to help ensure Te Araroa walkers continue to be able to use this critical link:

  • Access is only for tramping parties of 8 or fewer members and during daylight hours
  • Give way to stock and farm/forestry operations
  • No camping, fires, vehicles (including bicycles), horses, dogs, or firearms
  • Carry all rubbish out
  • No commercial activity, including guiding or organised events

Access

Northern Start: Struan Flat Rd, Birchwood

Southern End: Junction of Otautau-Tuatapere and Merrivale Rds, Merrivale

Accommodation

Accommodation at start of the route (Birchwood)

  • Birchwood Station has a cabin available to Te Araroa walkers near the beginning of this route.  For safety reasons, you'll need to call ahead - same day ok but at least a few hours notice - and be met and taken into the hut.
    • $20pp for the night and $15pp more for a home-cooked meal. Gas cooking facilities, microwave, hot shower, fire, toilet.
    • Call or text Sarah 027 699 5234 or Dean 021 655852.

Accommodation at Scotts Gap (km 2906)

  • Campsie Downs 324 Scotts Gap / Feldwick Road, 1 km west from Te Araroa.
    • 2 sets bunks, shower (hot water) toilet, laundry facilities, basic kitchen, meals available (frozen) $12, vegetable garden (help yourself) $20 per night. 
    •  text Rowena 027 577 0978

Accommodation at end of route (Merrivale)

  • Merriview Hut (not to be confused with Merrivale Station) -  A great little spot right on the Te Araroa route.  The hut is about 40 m along Merrivale Road from Tautapere Road, separate from the house on the corner of Merrivale Road. 2 Merrivale Rd, Otautau - P: 021 567 105.  Hut ($15pp) or camping ($10pp) available, fresh eggs ($1 each) and rubbish disposal.

Accommodation at Otautau

  • Otautau Hotel - 167 Main St, Otautau - P: 03 225 8166 - E: otautauhotel@vodafone.co.nz - W: www.otautauhotelpub.co.nz/contact - rooms, bars & restaurant
  • Otautau Railway Hotel and Backpackers - 76-78 King St, Otautau - P: 03 225 8577 - backpackers, bar & restaurant

Accommodation at Tuatapere - Island Bush 

  • The Cwtch - 6 Ferry Road, Tuatapere - P: 027 683 0670 - 4 Bunks, hosted by Greg in the historic community hall. $30pp, or koha for TA walkers (some work, dinner at the pub, cash as you have it)
  • Tui Basecamp - 4 McFeely Street, Tuatapere - P: (0)3 226 6250 or M: (0)27 837 3521 E: enquiries@tuibasecamp.co.nz
  • Last Light Lodge - 2 Clifden Highway, Tuatapere - P: 03 226 6667 - camping sites, campervan sites, backpacker type facilities and a restaurant/café.

Food and Supply

Otautau

  • Supervalue Supermarket - 157 Main St, Otautau - P: 03 225 8029 - W: www.supervalue.co.nz/ Open daily 8am-7pm.

Tuatapere - Island Bush 

  • Four 4 Square supermarket - 73 Main St, Tuatapere - P: 03 226 6898 - W: www.foursquare.co.nz/ - Open daily 7:30am-9pm

Extra Info

Otautau General / Visitor Information 

  • Tuatapere Hump Ridge track Trust & Tuatapere Visitor Information Centre - P: 0800 486 774 or P: 03 226 6739 - 31 Orawia Rd, Tuatapere - E: info@visitorcentre.co.nz - Open hours 7:30am - 6:30pm

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 17, 2024 18:33:51 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: Longwood Ranges was a major centre for gold mining from the mid-1860s to the 1950s. This tough tramping route gives an insight into the hard task these early Chinese miners faced living in the forest. Historic water races in the area are reminders of the importance of water supply during the gold rush.

Description

Walk 7.5km up Merrivale Road into the forest, all the way to the road end. A washout about 6km up Merrivale Road prevents 2WD vehicles from progressing further, but roadside parking exists.

During the deer roar (March/April), we recommend that all walkers wear a high-vis vest while walking through the Longwoods Forest.

The only reliable water source on Te Araroa for over 13km is Merry Creek, accessed a short distance down a 4WD track that departs Merrivale Road on the left-hand side, just beyond the final farm paddock.

Merrivale Rd end to Bald Hill — 4.3km / 2 hours

From the road end, a short 4WD track leads off to the start of the Longwood Forest Track. The first orange track markers are encountered a bit further along. A GPS may come in handy here (and across the tops) as the ground trail is not always obvious.

The track climbs gradually for 2.5km to a clearing but soon re-enters the forest. From here, it’s only 500m to the treeline from where the transmission tower is visible on clear days. The track is marked by poles across the open tops to the transmission tower at a road end upon Bald Hill. 

Bald Hill to Martins Hut — 15.5km / 7 hours

Descend the road from the transmission tower. Water may be available from small streams draining from the left. This is in the vicinity of the gates which cross the road. Fill up here as there is no other readily available water source for some distance.

Continue down the road to the old quarry from where the track departs on the right near a square steel plate sign.

The track within the forest is well-marked and easy to follow through an increasingly stunted forest. In open sections, however, the route is lightly marked with poles. Continue through forest and shrublands across “Little Baldy” and the saddle to the main Longwood ridge. The track from here is often indistinct but follows markers to and beyond the Longwood trig. The descent on the marked track is fairly steep, and through the forest to historic Martins Hut, built in 1905 and the last (or first if northbound.) hut on Te Araroa.

Martins Hut is compact with 4 timber bunks with mattresses. It would provide welcome shelter in poor weather. There is a small water tank behind the hut — though do treat the water. 

Another water source at Martins Hut is a small stream on an unmarked side track between the toilet and the hut. This is off to the left as you are facing downhill. Water also becomes more readily available on the main track lower down.

Martins Hut to Long Hilly Track and Round Hill — 12.5km / 4 hours

Leaving Martins Hut, follow the trail for 100m and turn right at the marked junction. Follow the water race on Turnbull’s Tramping Track for 4.9km to the derelict historic Turnbulls (Big Dam) Hut. Once you leave Turnbull’s Hut, you will continue on the Turnbull’s Tramping Track, descending gradually for the next 4.5km until you reach the historic Ports Water Race. At this junction, turn right and follow the water race for 250m before reaching the Round Hill Track and walking for 850m to the carpark.  

From the carpark, turn left and follow Round Hill Road for 900m until you join State Highway 99. Turn left again onto State Highway 99 and walk the 4km to Colac Bay.

Conditions

During the deer roar (March/April) we recommend that all walkers wear a high-vis vest while walking through the Longwoods Forest.

Potential Hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track on Merrivale road
  • Poisons & traps
  • Farming operations
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes
  • Few water sources between Merrivale Road and Martins Hut

Access

Northern Start: Junction of Otautau-Tuatapere and Merrivale Roads, Merrivale

Southern End: End of Ports Water Race Track

Transport

Walk 7.5km up Merrivale Road into the forest, all the way to the road-end. A washout about 6km up Merrivale Road prevents 2WD vehicles progressing further but there is roadside parking there.

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Hut_Included Martins Hut - km 2,943.4 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hut_Included Turnbull's (Big Dam) Hut - km 2,948 - Included in The Trail Pass

Accommodation en route

  • Martins Hut - Basic 4 bunk hut - The water source at Martins Hut is a small tank behind the hut. There is also a small stream off on an unmarked side track between the toilet and the hut. This is off to the left as you are facing downhill. Water also becomes more readily available on the main track lower down. 

Food and Supply

The only reliable water source on Te Araroa for over 13km is Merry Creek, accessed a short distance down a 4WD track that departs Merrivale Road on the left-hand side, just beyond the final farm paddock

Extra Info

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 27, 2024 20:19:37 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: The Long Hilly Track is an extremely popular day walk, taking in a number of historic mine workings from what was once the largest Chinese mining settlement in New Zealand, dating back to 1874. There is a loop track available for day walkers which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Description

At the end of the Port’s Water Race, the track joins the Long Hilly Track. Turn left here and follow the track past a number of sign-posted historic gold mining sites to the car park on Round Hill Road.

Turn left out of the Long Hilly Walking Track car park and walk 850m down Round Hill Road to the SH99 junction. Turn left here and then, after 4km, right onto Colac Bay Road. Adjacent to this intersection is the Colac Bay Tavern, where meals and camping facilities are available.

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track. Take extreme care on the road walk to Colac Bay
  • Weather extremes
  • Few water sources on the road walk

Access

Northern Start: End of Ports Water Race Track

Southern End: Junction of Colac Bay Road and SH99, Colac Bay

Accommodation

Colac Bay

Colac Bay Tavern & Camping Ground - 15 Colac Bay Rd, Colac Bay - P: 03 234 8399 - Meals, backpacker and camping facilities available. Luna Sea Lodge 641 Orepuki-Riverton Highway. Tel: 027 601 5744 Email :lunasealodge@gmail.com, facebook.com@lunasealodge Only minutes from Tīhaka Beach, we have individual rooms for rent with shared facilities in a warm homely environment.

Extra Info

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 20, 2024 08:46:15 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: This coastal track connects Colac Bay with Riverton and is mostly near the coast. There is a lambing season bypass and an alternative high-tide route.

 

Description

Before the climb up to Mores Reserve the track crosses sections of private farmland. Keep to the marked track here and be aware that this section is closed during September and October for lambing. It is also foot access only and dogs are prohibited.

Lambing season bypass: To reach Riverton during the lambing closure, 1st September to 31st October, continue on Tīhaka Beach Road to Orepuki Riverton Highway (SH99). Turn right here and walk the road shoulder into Riverton.

The track formally begins at the Colac Bay Road/SH99 junction (with the Colac Bay Tavern and campground adjacent). If the tide is right, head east along the beach. Alternatively, at high tide, walk the initial section on the Foreshore Road frontage then descend to the beach when the road turns inland. Continue along the beach then ascend the formed sand track to Tīhaka Beach Road.

When this road veers inland Te Araroa remains on the coast (unless you’re here during the lambing closure). Keep to the track, which follows marker poles along the beaches and across the headlands.

From the final deer fence the track leaves the coast and heads up towards, then through, Mores Reserve to emerge at a car park at the end of Richard Street. There are public toilets here. Walk down Richard Street towards Riverton.

At the bottom of Richard Street turn left onto Bay Road and walk around to the Palmerston Road Bridge. The Tihaka Beach Track ends at the junction with SH99 just before the bridge.

Conditions

Lambing season bypass 1st September to 31st October.

Foot access only.

No dogs are permitted.

Potential Hazards:

  • Vehicles on road or track Take care when walking along roads
  • Farming operations
  • Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide
  • Small stream crossings
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes
  • Few water sources

Access

Northern Start: Junction of Colac Bay Road and SH99, Colac Bay

Southern End: Junction of SH99 and Bay Road, Riverton

Transport

Riverton - Getting there/away

Travel Head First - Bottom Bus Tours - P: 03 477 9083 - Daily shuttle to/from Invercargill and Te Anau

Accommodation

Riverton Accommodation 

  • Riverton Holiday Park - 43 Richard St, Riverton - P: 0800 234 813 or 03 234 8132 - E: wylie@xtra.co.nz - studio units & campsites
  • Riverton Rock Guesthouse - 136 Palmerston St, Riverton - P: 03 234 8886 - E: stay@rivertonrock.co.nz
  • Riverton Lodge Hotel - 57 Princess Street, Riverton - P: 03 234 9945 - E: rivertonlodge@gmail.com - 28 beds available (14 bunkroom and 3 double rooms), communal kitchen, coin-operated laundry facility. Onsite Pub and Restaurant 
  • Luna Sea Lodge 641 Orepuki-Riverton Highway. Tel: 027 601 5744 Email:lunasealodge@gmail.com, facebook.com@lunasealodge Only minutes from Tīhaka Beach, we have individual rooms for rent with shared facilities in a warm homely environment. 
  • The Whimsical Studio - 1 Union st, Riverton. Private studio accommodation directly on the trail situated just below Mores Reserve. A super comfy bed, awesome shower & free range eggs from our chickens. Check out Air B&B for reviews emzdanger@gmail.com or 021 339 446

Food and Supply

Supervalue Supermarket - 163 Palmerston St, Riverton - P: 03 234 8541

Extra Info

Riverton General information

Te Hīkoi and Riverton Visitor Information Centre - 172 Palmerston St, Riverton - P: 03 234 8260 or 0800 834 4564. E: tehikoi@xtra.co.nz

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: November 08, 2024 10:11:19 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: Walk the length of Oreti Beach, easiest at mid or low tide.

Description

At the eastern end of the bridge on SH99/Palmerston St, continue on to walk the main street of Riverton where you'll find a shop and a handful of cafes.  After 600m you'll take a right on Princess St, which you'll follow for 1km to turn left onto Oreti Beach.

About 4 hours (12km) into the journey, walkers need to ford the mouth of Waimatuku Stream. This crossing can be difficult at high tide but is straightforward at mid to low tide. Plan your approach accordingly.

It is then a further 10km walk along the beach to the Dunns Road exit, which becomes visible at a gap in the dunes. There is a power pole here with a streetlight attached. Follow Dunns Road for 7km towards Invercargill and another 2km once Dunns Road becomes Stead Street, which crosses the estuary towards Tweed Street, and the start of Invercargill’s CBD where you'll find accommodation, shops, etc.

The section ends over the road bridge where the Rotary Club’s Stead Street Wharf Walkway begins on the right-hand side.

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track
  • Tides, waves and rivers – safer at low tide
  • River crossings – never cross flooded rivers
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes
  • Few water sources

Access

Northern Start: Junction of SH99 Princess Street, Riverton

Southern End: Stead Street, Invercargill

Transport

Invercargill - Getting there/away 

  • Invercargill Airport - Flights to all main centres.  Approximate $25 taxi fare from city centre
  • Riverton Freight - slack packing for north bounders. If you would like a lighter pack for the walk from Invercargill to Riverton ODF Transport run a truck from Invercargill to Riverton, Monday to Friday, leaving Invercargill each day at 12:30pm. Also the Riverton Freight Van runs from Invercargill to Riverton, Monday to Friday, leaving Invercargill at 10.30am and 3.30pm. Danyon Cleaver,  027 236 9753

Bus options to Dunedin, Te Ānau and Queenstown:

All buses arrive and depart from Tuatara Lodge

  • InterCity - P: 03 365 1113 
  • Atomic Shuttles - P: 03 349 0697
  • Catch a Bus South - www.catchabussouth.com - offer transport options from Invercargill to/from Bluff, Queenstown and Dunedin, 7 days per week, with multiple times to/from Bluff each day. We also offer personalized tours of the idyllic Catlins area, which really is our third “Jewel in the Crown” for Southland, along with Stewart Island and Milford Sound. These are on request with booking in advance.

Accommodation

  • Oreti Beach House, Foveaux St, Invercargill (sth end of Oreti Beach) - M: 027 211 7170 - E: beachouse@woosh.co.nz
  • Mountaineer Chalet - P: 027 211 7170 - E: mountaineerchalet@gmail.com - Includes: 2br cottage with kitchen, bathroom, laundry 
  • Tuatara Lodge - 30-32 Dee St, Invercargill - P: 03 214 0954 Book online: tuataralodge.co.nz  A registration point for those starting, and celebration/meeting point for those finishing. Art deco building with 26 rooms, shared or private. Sleeps up to78 people. Connected to the Tuatara café/bar and onsite Gadoochi brewery.  Supplier of Te Araroa medals. All busses arrive and depart from the door. Bag storage available for those walking to Bluff and returning to Tuatara.
  • Southern Comfort Backpackers (BBH) - 30 Thomson St, Invercargill - P: 03 218 3838 

There are also many other options in all levels of accommodation available within Invercargill.

Food and Supply

Pak N' Save Supermarket - 95 Tay St, Invercargill - P: 03 214 4864 

New World Supermarket - 244 Elles Rd, Invercargill - P: 03 218 6811 

Countdown Supermarket - 172 Tay St, Invercargill - P: 03 218 6716 

Night and Day - 55 Dee st, Invercargill - P:03 422 186

Extra Info

Invercargill General information

Invercargill Public toilets facilities in Wachner Place (next to Tuatara Lodge) have:

  • Showers  / towel hire / bag storage
  • Bus transit lounge to wait for buses.

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 20, 2024 08:49:45 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: Te Ara Taupara is a shared cycle and walking path connecting Invercargill to Bluff. The trail was gifted its name Te Ara Taurapa, meaning a journey/pathway along the stern of the waka. It can be either the start or the culmination of the 3,039km Te Araroa Trail, stretching the country's length from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Description

The start point in Invercargill is on Stead Street at the sign to Stead Street Wharf.

The shared walking and cycle track was opened in 2015, and Te Araroa Trust majorly funded the initial section.

The track runs 10.5km along stopbanks adjacent to the New River Estuary, and along the way, you’ll be treated to an area teeming with birdlife.

The track exits onto Kekeno Place, a busy industrial area, so take care when coming off the end of the track and then crossing the railway line back out to SH1. Take care, as trains run regularly along this line.

From here, you will walk the newly formed Te Ara Taurapa pathway, a 16km sealed-off highway shared path for cyclists and walkers. Follow Te Ara Taurapa to Ocean Beach, where the Foveaux Walkway (or Walkway Foveaux for Francophiles) starts, behind the big rusty steel BLUFF sign.

  • Note: It is recommended to wear high visibility gear or pack cover when walking Te Ara Taurapa, as although not on the highway, in poor visibility, it is in your best interest given there is a lot of heavy traffic and often unfavourable visibility due to weather conditions. Your safety is paramount.

This final 8km track crosses the narrow peninsula and follows the south coast around the base of Bluff Hill in an anti-clockwise direction to the southernmost point on Te Araroa at km 3,036. It then turns northeast up the Millenium Track to the top of The Bluff / Motupohue, passing the end of Flagstaff Road to take the Topuni Track down to Te Araroa’s southern terminus at Stirling Point.

Conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track Take extreme care walking on State Highway 1 roadside - wear a hi-viz vest and/or pack cover
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes
  • Few water sources
  • Take care crossing the railway line at Kekeno Place

Access

Northern Start: Stead Street, Invercargill

Southern End: Stirling Point, Bluff

Transport

Bluff

  • Invercargill - Campbelltown passenger service - 1 Lee St, Bluff - P: 03 212 7404
  • Stewart Island Experience Ferry Service - P: 0800 000 511 or 03 212 7660 - E: info@sie.co.nz 
  • Catch a Bus South - offers transport options from Invercargill to/from Bluff, Queenstown and Dunedin, 7 days per week, with multiple times to/from Bluff each day. They also offer personalised tours of the idyllic Catlins area - the third “jewel in the crown” for Southland, along with Stewart Island and Milford Sound. These are on request with booking in advance.

Accommodation

  • Lands End B & B - 10 Ward Parade, Stirling Point Bluff - P: 03 212 7575 - Restaurant on site.
  • Bluff Lodge - Sobo or Nobo "Bluff Lodge and Backpackers" offer quirky value-for-money accommodation either at the start or finish of your incredible journey. The lodge has dorm beds for just $25, with great showers, a fully equipped kitchen and a communal lounge. Also, private rooms and a self-contained apartment which sleeps 4. All can be viewed and booked online. The lodge location is handy to both hotels, all eating places and 2 minutes to ferry to Stewart Island. They are happy to securely store any packages you may wish to forward for your arrival in Bluff. Send resupply boxes labeled with your name to Bluff Lodge, 120 Gore Street, Bluff 9814. Please phone or text Kay 027 294 5306. They say "Congratulations and Welcome" to you all. An amazing "FEAT" on amazing "FEET".  
  • Bluff Camping Ground - Gregory St, Bluff - P: 027 626 2018 - cabins and tent sites.
  • Casa Al Mare John Crawford, 027 274 5604 Bluff. The whole house, two-bedroom with fold-out couch in the lounge will sleep up to six. Full kitchen and nice bathroom. Quote Te Araroa Trail to receive a special rate. 
  • Jasper, 6 Nichol Road, Bluff, Ocean Beach E: jaxxxer@gmail.com At this hidden gem located on the trail you can pitch up your tent or use the communal cabin and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and history of Bluff. You'll be just across the road off Awarua bay where you can fish, kayak, relax and do what you want. There are kayaks for you to use and friendly farm animals to play with.  You are also welcome to use our bbq, bathroom, outdoor fire bath (!) and washing machine. Location is just outside Bluff town and very rural.  Welcome to small groups as well if you want to celebrate this terminus point with people you met along the way. Koha/Donation based, so no set fees. Email Jasper to book your stay. Host also speaks Dutch and basic German. Hope to see you soon! (km 3,030)

Food and Supply

Extra Info

A finisher’s medal is available from Tuatara Backpackers, the Bluff Service Centre and Lloyd Esler at 03 213 0404 or 021 176 580.  Cost $10.  You can get your medal engraved with your name and dates.

Or, go to see the team at Sold Coffee and Gifts. They are located on the corner of the main street and the street going up to the Bluff Hill Lookout — 122 Gore Street, Bluff. They make fantastic coffee using the freshest beans that are roasted in Lumsden. Sheena, their Barista, bakes every day, so their food is fresh and yummy.

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Stewart Island Rakiura

Stewart Island does not form part of Te Araroa. However, the Stewart Island website has more information about transport to/from the island, accommodation and walking.

Stewart Island Rakiura

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